Isolation from unchristian family members

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Permalink Reply by Mark .A. on October 27, 2009 at 9:31am

People make mistakes (or) bad decisions, however you wonna look at it. It's all the same. But that's a part of everyday life. And you of all people Cody should know that EVERYBODY has flaws and yes we as Christians wonna help them get rid of their flaws, but people now a days are more ignorant then you could possibly ever imagine. I'm gonna quit arguing with you about this already because all I'm doing is waisting my precious time arguing with you when I could be helping somebody else.

God Bless.
~Mark.A.

Cody Eubanks said:

Do you know what the word "gospel" means Mark? It means good news, and as a Christian we are called to share the "good news" of Jesus. That includes to our families. I'm not trying to offend you, in any manner, but you can't be a Christian and not want to share the story of Jesus with your family. You're family is the one who raised you, took care of you, sheltered you, and when someone becomes a Christian they should WANT to help their families.

Does the song Ocean Waves not fit perfectly here? You can't just let someone make bad choices, and not feel heartbreak. That's a Christian heart for you. Jesus felt sorrow, for people of the world, the Jews, the Gentiles, and all who were lost. So you shouldn't come on this page telling us to accept their flaws, because their flaws are what is killing them!

Mark .A. said:

It may have seemed like I was saying to quit whining, but I wasn't. All I'm trying to get across is that your family is your family. You share the same blood as most of them. So what if you're different or if they're different. That's what makes everybody unique. Especially you. Everyone is unique. And that's what makes all special in God's eyes.

-Mark.A.

p.s. I'm sorry for making it seem like I was trying to tell you to quit whining. The last thing I ever want is for someone to think that I'm trying to tell them how to live their life.

Gabriela Martinez said:

Please don't be offended by what he said because it kind of seemed as if you were basically telling me to stop whining. I'm pretty sure he was trying to help you to be your best and not offend your family.

Mark .A. said:

You can talk about me all you want, but don't you EVER say anything about my family. I was just saying that nobody's perfect and that's ok. I wasn't trying to make it look like my family has a twisted view on Christianity because we don't. We're just like everybody else out there in the world. And I quote Lacey when I say this, "We have flaws. That's important."
Oh, and btw, we have God with us EACH AND EVERY DAY OF OUR LIVES.

-Mark.A.

Cody Eubanks said:

No. That's not all okay. If it's okay on somedays but not others, then you'd might as well do it every day.

God does not change, and God doesn't change His expectations of us either.

"I am the LORD, I change not." Malachi 3:6.

So being Christian one day, and drunk the other gives you a bad testimony, and disappoints God.
You and your family have very twisted views on Christianity, that is all I can say!

And you can't live the perfect life, no, but you can try. We need to try our best, and when we fail, we turn to God, because that's all we have. And that's where our problems lie: Not having God with us ALL THE WAY.

Permalink Reply by Gabriela Martinez on October 27, 2009 at 7:37pm

Thanks for the verse it helps

Joseph said:

here a verse that helps me and hopes it helps you

if you need more support just write me back and i can refer you to a site that designs to help you in walk

Matthew 10:21-22 (New International Version)

21"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 22All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

Permalink Reply by Gabriela Martinez on October 27, 2009 at 7:39pm

Thank you and God bless you.
P.S. your English is fine


Marie-Eve Lafrance said:

Hey!
First, I'm sorry if my english is bad, i'm french :)
So, I just want to say that I was in the same situation last year, and I was really sad and kind of depressed.
And than I realised that I was the one who was acting fake. I talked to them about how I was feeling about my faith, and today it's getting better and better every day.
Keep hoping and stay strong.

God bless you

Permalink Reply by William Thaw on March 11, 2010 at 5:27am

Gabriela, my family thought I was way too serious about God, and that I had gone off the deep end. I think one of my mistakes was over-preaching and under-listening. But as they saw me grow over time, I kept pulling them more and more toward my direction. Maybe this can happen for you. One of the mistakes a Christian to make is to expect non-Christians to live up to Christian standards. We are supposed to correct each other. For sinners, we are trying to bring conviction and good news. Let em dance and drink and listen to their music, and try to open doors with regular interaction. When you feel the door open, you can ask them questions about spiritual things. Remember: questions. No slogans. It's critical we ask questions because it opens people up, gives you a tactical advantage, and after you hear them, they feel obligated to hear you. Try a book called Tactics by Greg Koukl. I know it hurts to be mistreated now, but take this as time to get stronger. The more bleed in training, the less you bleed in war.

Permalink Reply by cheryl goga on March 11, 2010 at 9:41am

We went from an unsaved family that locked the doors when we came (truth!!) to all but one saved by the grace of God!! "If I be lifted up I will draw all men unto me"... so true but re-read the first part....If I be lifted up. Pray not to get legalistic when all we need to do is let the love of Christ shine thru us. They drink, doesn't mean you need to drink or that you need to sit there & stare at them in disgust but you can be around them and laugh with them & love them like the Lord loves them. He loved us in our sin & shame? You will survive listening to their music for a night or a holiday and you will create a relationship to build on. If parties are too hard then try just lunch together...but don't alienate yourself. Start by asking the Lord "use me to draw them to you, to WANT to know you and let me see them thru your eyes". If you try to be a good example of Christ's love for the unsaved then some will respond...if I be lifted up.

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Abreu on March 11, 2010 at 4:56pm

Hey,

Though I myself am a little indecisive with religion, I do feel certain things about what God wants from us (if there is a God; I'm still trying to explore every aspect of religion). I understand there can be a barrier between those of strong Christian faith and those of little to none, but I feel that both need to give in a little. I don't think a person should force anyone else to believe in the things they believe in or to act the way they act; that's what causes hostility and very judgmental comments to form. If God is all-forgiving, then we should try to do the same. That does not mean others can not be aware of your lifestyle and your faith. You just have to let others come to terms with what they feel is right in their own time.

For example, my best friend is strongly religious while I have been questioning religion since I can remember. When appropriate, we'll voice our opinion on a matter. We even have friendly debates on many issues, which in turn help me to explore religion and faith and help her to strengthen her faith by studying her religion more deeply to answer my questions. We have never let our different views get in the way. If she had forced me to see things her way, I would have stopped being her friend long ago and would have probably been more adverse to religion than ever. However, since we deal with our differences civilly and with understanding, each trying to see how and why the other feels the way they do, we have been able to retain a strong bond.

I, too, have somewhat strained relationships with relatives who are religious, but this only comes up on occasion. We have learned that each person needs to experience things on their own time. I can pretend/ force myself to believe in Catholicism and its practices to please my mother, but I would just be lying to myself. I am slowly feeling there is some spiritual aspect in my life, but only my own experiences have brought me to that point.

In other words, you have to let them know you will not force your faith upon them. In return, they should be a little more open to understanding your religion as an important and integral part of your life. Maybe, then, they will find the "true path" to following Christianity, as you have done.

Permalink Reply by William Thaw on March 12, 2010 at 3:34am

Can you explain what you mean by "forcing a belief" on someone? I'm a little confused since people seem to have minds of their own, for good or for bad. If what you mean is that someone is trying to tell you that they are right and you are wrong, then I'm wondering why you would be offering advice, because you'd be doing the exact same thing. Can you explain what I'm missing here?


Kimberly Abreu said:

Hey,

Though I myself am a little indecisive with religion, I do feel certain things about what God wants from us (if there is a God; I'm still trying to explore every aspect of religion). I understand there can be a barrier between those of strong Christian faith and those of little to none, but I feel that both need to give in a little. I don't think a person should force anyone else to believe in the things they believe in or to act the way they act; that's what causes hostility and very judgmental comments to form. If God is all-forgiving, then we should try to do the same. That does not mean others can not be aware of your lifestyle and your faith. You just have to let others come to terms with what they feel is right in their own time.

For example, my best friend is strongly religious while I have been questioning religion since I can remember. When appropriate, we'll voice our opinion on a matter. We even have friendly debates on many issues, which in turn help me to explore religion and faith and help her to strengthen her faith by studying her religion more deeply to answer my questions. We have never let our different views get in the way. If she had forced me to see things her way, I would have stopped being her friend long ago and would have probably been more adverse to religion than ever. However, since we deal with our differences civilly and with understanding, each trying to see how and why the other feels the way they do, we have been able to retain a strong bond.

I, too, have somewhat strained relationships with relatives who are religious, but this only comes up on occasion. We have learned that each person needs to experience things on their own time. I can pretend/ force myself to believe in Catholicism and its practices to please my mother, but I would just be lying to myself. I am slowly feeling there is some spiritual aspect in my life, but only my own experiences have brought me to that point.

In other words, you have to let them know you will not force your faith upon them. In return, they should be a little more open to understanding your religion as an important and integral part of your life. Maybe, then, they will find the "true path" to following Christianity, as you have done.

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Abreu on March 12, 2010 at 12:16pm

Well, when I say "forcing a belief" I mean exctly what you mean. But I am not doing the same thing because someone asked for advice, so I am giving. I did not say "this is the correct way, all else is wrong." I am merely giving my interpretation of what I would do if I were her in a similar situation. If her family were to come to her and ask about her religion or what is the right thing to do in a situation, I think she should give them all the advice and knowledge she has. She could also bring up her religion in other situations, but constantly mentioning her religion and telling others that that is the definite path to follow, I think, will deter others from listening and understanding her. I've also stated in my response that she does not have to hinder giving adivce or discussing her religion with her family (if it wasn't clear in the last two sentences of the first paragraph and in the fact that my friend discusses her religion with me but does not "force me" to see things her way; she just lets me know what her religion is about, how it has affected her life, and then let's me think about it on my own). They should, in turn, be willing to at least listen to her and her views and decide for themselves if they wish to follow that path. And remember, it sometimes takes people almost their whole lifetime to come to an understadning of themselves and the world around them and beyond. Being told by one person, no matter how much they love that one person, that Christianity is the way to go, may not make them understand. So many factors go into what a person becomes in their life. I will leave a disclaimer, though, to avoid further criticisim about forcing my view; this is just my opinion. No one has to follow this. Have I cleared up the misunderstanding or have I just caused more confusion? lol.

Permalink Reply by William Thaw on March 12, 2010 at 11:55pm

Kimberley,

Thanks for writing back. I think it would be a good idea if I explained why I responded to you before. It's because I hear people say of Christians that they "force their views on others", and I was trying to show why this is grossly unfair. Here's why.

Nobody who has an opinion holds that opinion because they DON'T believe it's true. If the description fits that someone who holds that "this is the correct way, all else is wrong", then you've just included every single person on the planet. They may not be that blunt when they say it, but that is what is implied anytime anyone gives their opinion. When you say that Christians are forcing their view, you are criticizing Christianity rather than the way the person is behaving. Why? Because Christianity claims to be historical and accurate description of the world and of God. And if you said Christianity is wrong, you are implying that you are right, and you'd be doing what you accuse others of. I doubt that is your intention.

But in fairness to you, I think you have a good point to make, but it's only fair to Christians to describe what some do to show you disrespect in another way. What I'm suggesting is that an individual can be described as disrespectful, over-the-top, undiplomatic, uncharitable, ignorant, disdainful or even just a jerk. There's ways of talking to people about truth that don't have to be in-your-face, shut-you-down, obnoxious, slogan-shouting, cancerous, rhetorical verbal-vomit.
I'm with you on that, cuz I hate that stuff. I hope you know that we Christians have that done to us, too. Often by self-proclaimed tolerant, open-minded pluralists and relativists! Point being... we all force our views, its the method we use that makes us reasonable or makes us jerks.


Kimberly Abreu said:

Well, when I say "forcing a belief" I mean exctly what you mean. But I am not doing the same thing because someone asked for advice, so I am giving. I did not say "this is the correct way, all else is wrong." I am merely giving my interpretation of what I would do if I were her in a similar situation. If her family were to come to her and ask about her religion or what is the right thing to do in a situation, I think she should give them all the advice and knowledge she has. She could also bring up her religion in other situations, but constantly mentioning her religion and telling others that that is the definite path to follow, I think, will deter others from listening and understanding her. I've also stated in my response that she does not have to hinder giving adivce or discussing her religion with her family (if it wasn't clear in the last two sentences of the first paragraph and in the fact that my friend discusses her religion with me but does not "force me" to see things her way; she just lets me know what her religion is about, how it has affected her life, and then let's me think about it on my own). They should, in turn, be willing to at least listen to her and her views and decide for themselves if they wish to follow that path. And remember, it sometimes takes people almost their whole lifetime to come to an understadning of themselves and the world around them and beyond. Being told by one person, no matter how much they love that one person, that Christianity is the way to go, may not make them understand. So many factors go into what a person becomes in their life. I will leave a disclaimer, though, to avoid further criticisim about forcing my view; this is just my opinion. No one has to follow this. Have I cleared up the misunderstanding or have I just caused more confusion? lol.

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Abreu on March 14, 2010 at 2:59pm

Oh, well when I mentioned the part about not meaning "this is the correct way, all else is wrong," I was referring to the fact that I wasn't trying to be flamboyant and in your face about my view. But I will never tell someone that if they don't act this way, they're terrible people (and I'm not referring to Christians here, but to many people who for the most part are harsh to others with different opinions). I'm glad you understood me overall, but when I stated that people force their views, I was not referring to Christians being the only ones who do that. Of course, other people of many different backgrounds force their beliefs. But I was specifically talking about Christians because of the situation. However, if it wasn't clear, I also feel Gabriela's family (non-Christians) should not force her to change her ways or beliefs; in fact, I said they needed to give in a little, too, and be respectful of her choices and try to understand her (ie. maybe they don't have to celebrate the way they do for every holiday or they should listen to one or two of her favorite albums and attempt to understand why she likes them; maybe they should even read the Bible or look up some of the main points of her religion and discuss with her the things they agree with). We wouldn't be able to live in this world of varying communities and individuals if we didn't try to understand each other and practice tolerance.
Just to let you know, I'm aware that you agree with me on much of what I said. But I just wanted to clarify that I never meant only Christians can be forceful. I also wanted to make sure I didn't come off as one of those jerks you mentioned. lol.

William Thaw said:

Kimberley,

Thanks for writing back. I think it would be a good idea if I explained why I responded to you before. It's because I hear people say of Christians that they "force their views on others", and I was trying to show why this is grossly unfair. Here's why.

Nobody who has an opinion holds that opinion because they DON'T believe it's true. If the description fits that someone who holds that "this is the correct way, all else is wrong", then you've just included every single person on the planet. They may not be that blunt when they say it, but that is what is implied anytime anyone gives their opinion. When you say that Christians are forcing their view, you are criticizing Christianity rather than the way the person is behaving. Why? Because Christianity claims to be historical and accurate description of the world and of God. And if you said Christianity is wrong, you are implying that you are right, and you'd be doing what you accuse others of. I doubt that is your intention.

But in fairness to you, I think you have a good point to make, but it's only fair to Christians to describe what some do to show you disrespect in another way. What I'm suggesting is that an individual can be described as disrespectful, over-the-top, undiplomatic, uncharitable, ignorant, disdainful or even just a jerk. There's ways of talking to people about truth that don't have to be in-your-face, shut-you-down, obnoxious, slogan-shouting, cancerous, rhetorical verbal-vomit.
I'm with you on that, cuz I hate that stuff. I hope you know that we Christians have that done to us, too. Often by self-proclaimed tolerant, open-minded pluralists and relativists! Point being... we all force our views, its the method we use that makes us reasonable or makes us jerks.


Kimberly Abreu said:

Well, when I say "forcing a belief" I mean exctly what you mean. But I am not doing the same thing because someone asked for advice, so I am giving. I did not say "this is the correct way, all else is wrong." I am merely giving my interpretation of what I would do if I were her in a similar situation. If her family were to come to her and ask about her religion or what is the right thing to do in a situation, I think she should give them all the advice and knowledge she has. She could also bring up her religion in other situations, but constantly mentioning her religion and telling others that that is the definite path to follow, I think, will deter others from listening and understanding her. I've also stated in my response that she does not have to hinder giving adivce or discussing her religion with her family (if it wasn't clear in the last two sentences of the first paragraph and in the fact that my friend discusses her religion with me but does not "force me" to see things her way; she just lets me know what her religion is about, how it has affected her life, and then let's me think about it on my own). They should, in turn, be willing to at least listen to her and her views and decide for themselves if they wish to follow that path. And remember, it sometimes takes people almost their whole lifetime to come to an understadning of themselves and the world around them and beyond. Being told by one person, no matter how much they love that one person, that Christianity is the way to go, may not make them understand. So many factors go into what a person becomes in their life. I will leave a disclaimer, though, to avoid further criticisim about forcing my view; this is just my opinion. No one has to follow this. Have I cleared up the misunderstanding or have I just caused more confusion? lol.

Permalink Reply by William Thaw on March 14, 2010 at 6:20pm

Thanks for the clarification. The only thing I want to add is that I think what you mean by the word "force" possibly means unreasonable pressure, manipulation, or something like that. I'm sure that if your friend had a deadly disease like cancer (God forbid), then her parents might go to extremes if she chose to act like she didn't really have a problem. Same way with people who believe in Christ. The position we hold is that He is the only cure for the deadly disease of sin. Our ability to know such a thing might be in question, but it explains our zeal. It's probably a motivation of love that someone would be forceful about the message, but that's where wisdom, persuasion, listening and understanding come in. I used to think that how something is said was not as important as what is said, but with maturity I realize I was wrong. It does nothing to help persuade someone to smash them over the head verbally. It shuts down communication, and that's not my goal. And I have to be willing to listen in order to have the right to speak. So, for instance, in our conversation, I didn't just come out and say "you're wrong!" I was specific about the phrase involving "force", and by pointing out what I thought was valid in your point, we found some common ground, that neither of us like "jerky" behavior. That's why I think our conversation was meaningful, and I appreciate the way that you communicate your point of view - truthfully, and respectfully. Thanks for writing.

Kimberly Abreu said:

Oh, well when I mentioned the part about not meaning "this is the correct way, all else is wrong," I was referring to the fact that I wasn't trying to be flamboyant and in your face about my view. But I will never tell someone that if they don't act this way, they're terrible people (and I'm not referring to Christians here, but to many people who for the most part are harsh to others with different opinions). I'm glad you understood me overall, but when I stated that people force their views, I was not referring to Christians being the only ones who do that. Of course, other people of many different backgrounds force their beliefs. But I was specifically talking about Christians because of the situation. However, if it wasn't clear, I also feel Gabriela's family (non-Christians) should not force her to change her ways or beliefs; in fact, I said they needed to give in a little, too, and be respectful of her choices and try to understand her (ie. maybe they don't have to celebrate the way they do for every holiday or they should listen to one or two of her favorite albums and attempt to understand why she likes them; maybe they should even read the Bible or look up some of the main points of her religion and discuss with her the things they agree with). We wouldn't be able to live in this world of varying communities and individuals if we didn't try to understand each other and practice tolerance.
Just to let you know, I'm aware that you agree with me on much of what I said. But I just wanted to clarify that I never meant only Christians can be forceful. I also wanted to make sure I didn't come off as one of those jerks you mentioned. lol.

William Thaw said:

Kimberley,

Thanks for writing back. I think it would be a good idea if I explained why I responded to you before. It's because I hear people say of Christians that they "force their views on others", and I was trying to show why this is grossly unfair. Here's why.

Nobody who has an opinion holds that opinion because they DON'T believe it's true. If the description fits that someone who holds that "this is the correct way, all else is wrong", then you've just included every single person on the planet. They may not be that blunt when they say it, but that is what is implied anytime anyone gives their opinion. When you say that Christians are forcing their view, you are criticizing Christianity rather than the way the person is behaving. Why? Because Christianity claims to be historical and accurate description of the world and of God. And if you said Christianity is wrong, you are implying that you are right, and you'd be doing what you accuse others of. I doubt that is your intention.

But in fairness to you, I think you have a good point to make, but it's only fair to Christians to describe what some do to show you disrespect in another way. What I'm suggesting is that an individual can be described as disrespectful, over-the-top, undiplomatic, uncharitable, ignorant, disdainful or even just a jerk. There's ways of talking to people about truth that don't have to be in-your-face, shut-you-down, obnoxious, slogan-shouting, cancerous, rhetorical verbal-vomit.
I'm with you on that, cuz I hate that stuff. I hope you know that we Christians have that done to us, too. Often by self-proclaimed tolerant, open-minded pluralists and relativists! Point being... we all force our views, its the method we use that makes us reasonable or makes us jerks.


Kimberly Abreu said:

Well, when I say "forcing a belief" I mean exctly what you mean. But I am not doing the same thing because someone asked for advice, so I am giving. I did not say "this is the correct way, all else is wrong." I am merely giving my interpretation of what I would do if I were her in a similar situation. If her family were to come to her and ask about her religion or what is the right thing to do in a situation, I think she should give them all the advice and knowledge she has. She could also bring up her religion in other situations, but constantly mentioning her religion and telling others that that is the definite path to follow, I think, will deter others from listening and understanding her. I've also stated in my response that she does not have to hinder giving adivce or discussing her religion with her family (if it wasn't clear in the last two sentences of the first paragraph and in the fact that my friend discusses her religion with me but does not "force me" to see things her way; she just lets me know what her religion is about, how it has affected her life, and then let's me think about it on my own). They should, in turn, be willing to at least listen to her and her views and decide for themselves if they wish to follow that path. And remember, it sometimes takes people almost their whole lifetime to come to an understadning of themselves and the world around them and beyond. Being told by one person, no matter how much they love that one person, that Christianity is the way to go, may not make them understand. So many factors go into what a person becomes in their life. I will leave a disclaimer, though, to avoid further criticisim about forcing my view; this is just my opinion. No one has to follow this. Have I cleared up the misunderstanding or have I just caused more confusion? lol.

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Abreu on March 27, 2010 at 1:35am

And thank you as well. I always like to hear constructive criticism in the way I try to explain myself through writing. I also love to hear the perspective of others, so this was definitely a great discussion between us. Now, I wonder if Gabriela has received any help from this? lol

William Thaw said:

Thanks for the clarification. The only thing I want to add is that I think what you mean by the word "force" possibly means unreasonable pressure, manipulation, or something like that. I'm sure that if your friend had a deadly disease like cancer (God forbid), then her parents might go to extremes if she chose to act like she didn't really have a problem. Same way with people who believe in Christ. The position we hold is that He is the only cure for the deadly disease of sin. Our ability to know such a thing might be in question, but it explains our zeal. It's probably a motivation of love that someone would be forceful about the message, but that's where wisdom, persuasion, listening and understanding come in. I used to think that how something is said was not as important as what is said, but with maturity I realize I was wrong. It does nothing to help persuade someone to smash them over the head verbally. It shuts down communication, and that's not my goal. And I have to be willing to listen in order to have the right to speak. So, for instance, in our conversation, I didn't just come out and say "you're wrong!" I was specific about the phrase involving "force", and by pointing out what I thought was valid in your point, we found some common ground, that neither of us like "jerky" behavior. That's why I think our conversation was meaningful, and I appreciate the way that you communicate your point of view - truthfully, and respectfully. Thanks for writing.

Kimberly Abreu said:

Oh, well when I mentioned the part about not meaning "this is the correct way, all else is wrong," I was referring to the fact that I wasn't trying to be flamboyant and in your face about my view. But I will never tell someone that if they don't act this way, they're terrible people (and I'm not referring to Christians here, but to many people who for the most part are harsh to others with different opinions). I'm glad you understood me overall, but when I stated that people force their views, I was not referring to Christians being the only ones who do that. Of course, other people of many different backgrounds force their beliefs. But I was specifically talking about Christians because of the situation. However, if it wasn't clear, I also feel Gabriela's family (non-Christians) should not force her to change her ways or beliefs; in fact, I said they needed to give in a little, too, and be respectful of her choices and try to understand her (ie. maybe they don't have to celebrate the way they do for every holiday or they should listen to one or two of her favorite albums and attempt to understand why she likes them; maybe they should even read the Bible or look up some of the main points of her religion and discuss with her the things they agree with). We wouldn't be able to live in this world of varying communities and individuals if we didn't try to understand each other and practice tolerance.
Just to let you know, I'm aware that you agree with me on much of what I said. But I just wanted to clarify that I never meant only Christians can be forceful. I also wanted to make sure I didn't come off as one of those jerks you mentioned. lol.

William Thaw said:

Kimberley,

Thanks for writing back. I think it would be a good idea if I explained why I responded to you before. It's because I hear people say of Christians that they "force their views on others", and I was trying to show why this is grossly unfair. Here's why.

Nobody who has an opinion holds that opinion because they DON'T believe it's true. If the description fits that someone who holds that "this is the correct way, all else is wrong", then you've just included every single person on the planet. They may not be that blunt when they say it, but that is what is implied anytime anyone gives their opinion. When you say that Christians are forcing their view, you are criticizing Christianity rather than the way the person is behaving. Why? Because Christianity claims to be historical and accurate description of the world and of God. And if you said Christianity is wrong, you are implying that you are right, and you'd be doing what you accuse others of. I doubt that is your intention.

But in fairness to you, I think you have a good point to make, but it's only fair to Christians to describe what some do to show you disrespect in another way. What I'm suggesting is that an individual can be described as disrespectful, over-the-top, undiplomatic, uncharitable, ignorant, disdainful or even just a jerk. There's ways of talking to people about truth that don't have to be in-your-face, shut-you-down, obnoxious, slogan-shouting, cancerous, rhetorical verbal-vomit.
I'm with you on that, cuz I hate that stuff. I hope you know that we Christians have that done to us, too. Often by self-proclaimed tolerant, open-minded pluralists and relativists! Point being... we all force our views, its the method we use that makes us reasonable or makes us jerks.


Kimberly Abreu said:

Well, when I say "forcing a belief" I mean exctly what you mean. But I am not doing the same thing because someone asked for advice, so I am giving. I did not say "this is the correct way, all else is wrong." I am merely giving my interpretation of what I would do if I were her in a similar situation. If her family were to come to her and ask about her religion or what is the right thing to do in a situation, I think she should give them all the advice and knowledge she has. She could also bring up her religion in other situations, but constantly mentioning her religion and telling others that that is the definite path to follow, I think, will deter others from listening and understanding her. I've also stated in my response that she does not have to hinder giving adivce or discussing her religion with her family (if it wasn't clear in the last two sentences of the first paragraph and in the fact that my friend discusses her religion with me but does not "force me" to see things her way; she just lets me know what her religion is about, how it has affected her life, and then let's me think about it on my own). They should, in turn, be willing to at least listen to her and her views and decide for themselves if they wish to follow that path. And remember, it sometimes takes people almost their whole lifetime to come to an understadning of themselves and the world around them and beyond. Being told by one person, no matter how much they love that one person, that Christianity is the way to go, may not make them understand. So many factors go into what a person becomes in their life. I will leave a disclaimer, though, to avoid further criticisim about forcing my view; this is just my opinion. No one has to follow this. Have I cleared up the misunderstanding or have I just caused more confusion? lol.

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